Fairfax Connector Drivers Return to Work

October 2, 2008

On Friday, Oct. 3, Fairfax Connector will operate regular weekday
service with the exception of the following routes: 231, 232,
307, and VRE EZ-Bus North and South. As more drivers return
to work, these routes also will be put into service.

Full Saturday service will be operated on Saturday, full Sunday
service will be operated on Sunday, and full weekday service on ALL
routes will be operated on Monday, Oct. 6.

A tentative agreement has been reached between the American
Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees Local 3001,
the union representing employees, and Veolia Transportation Inc., the
contracted bus operator, on renewal of a labor contract that expired
Sep. 14. The agreement still must be ratified by members of the
Union before it is finalized. A vote by Union members could
happen as early as Friday, but drivers may return to work before
then.

Since the job action began, many passengers have been stranded,
frustrated and inconvenienced because a limited number of personnel
was available to drive buses. Resources had to be assigned to
the routes which carry the most passengers, so some routes did not
operate at all. While pleased that the Contractor and Union have
reached a tentative agreement, Fairfax County regrets that so many
people had to endure the delays, crowded buses, and lack of service
caused by the strike.